If you’re struggling to secure financing for your business, an SBA loan may be the right option for you. These government backed loans are ideal for borrowers with excellent credit but don’t have the collateral needed to qualify for other loans.

An SBA loan is similar to a traditional commercial loan, but a portion of the loan is backed by the US government. This makes it safer for lenders to finance business owners who may not have an established track record, who lack sufficient collateral or who already have to much debt. However that doesn’t mean that anyone can easily qualify for an SBA loan. An SBA loan requires potential borrowers to have a good credit score and to provide a well thought out business plan.

According to David J.Hall, an SBA spokesperson “The main difference (between an SBA loan and a commercial loan) is that the SBA tries to make the loan more affordable by generally providing longer repayment terms and, in some cases, no fees to both borrowers and lenders.” SBA loans also require less collateral on the part of the borrower. SBA loans are longer term, require lower down payments and generally have flexible repayment options. SBA loan interest rates are also set within a fixed range, depending on the type of loan and therefore can be less expensive than traditional commercial loan. These advantages mean SBA loans are worth pursuing ,if you can qualify and if you can’t secure funding elsewhere.

The Small Business Administration broadly offers two types of SBA loans, SBA 504 loans and SBA 7(a) loans. The main difference between the two is that each has different restrictions on what the financing can be used for. SBA 504 loans are intended for the purchase of fixed assets such as real-estate and equipment. They cannot be used to purchase new inventory, to refinance existing debt or make speculative real-estate purchases. The SBA 7(a) loan can be used for a wider variety of purposes such as providing working capital, purchasing new inventory and refinancing existing debt.

Depending on which type of SBA loan you need there are still some minimum qualifications required by the Small Business Administration. Your business must be for profit, it must be defined by the SBA as a small business, a definition that varies depending on your industry. Your business must operate in the US, you must have a reasonable stake in the business itself and above all you must have exhausted all your other funding options. A good credit score and viable business plan are also necessary to qualify.

Is an SBA loan the right commercial loan for me?

If your a small business owner with a reasonable credit score and a well-thought out business plan but don’t have an established track record then an SBA loan is a great option. The favorable terms and low interest rates make SBA loans an excellent way to get the funding you need. However consider your qualifications and if you really have exhausted all your funding options before pursing an SBA loan.

Where do I apply for an SBA loan?

The best place to begin the SBA loan application process is the of course, the SBA website. The site should detail the first steps needed to begin the application process and help you connect with lenders that offer SBA loans.

Dennis Dahlberg

Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

About the Author:  Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 42 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

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